How to Remove Old Caulk in Your Bathroom

October 6, 2017

Has the caulk in your bathroom seen better days?

Has the caulk in your bathroom seen better days? If it is starting to split or wear away, your bathroom could use a little fall refresh. Before you can add new caulk to the tub, you need to get rid of the old. Here are our best tips for removing old caulk from your bathroom.

Soften the Existing Caulk

You can technically try to remove the caulk as it is now, but it will be easiest to do if you soften it first. Use a caulk remover and apply it to the existing caulk. You must wait at least 2 hours to get started, but a whole day would be ideal. The caulk remover will work to break down the compounds in the caulk and make it easy to remove.

Remove the Caulk

Now that the caulk is soft enough to easily remove, you should grab a caulk remover tool. Some people attempt to use a utility knife, but unless you are used to using one that can cause more harm than good. Keep in mind that caulk removal tools are used specifically to remove caulk, so they will always be your best bet.

Clean Up, Clean Up

Removing caulk can be a pretty messy process and leave you with lots of small caulk bits scattered around the tub. If you are good at getting off big pieces, you might not have too much left. Take an old toothbrush and use it to clean away any small old caulk pieces stuck between the tile and the bathtub.

Sterilize the Area

Now that the old caulk is all gone, you need to sterilize the part of the tub and tile that previously held the caulk. Clean the surface area with alcohol. Let it dry and then wash the entire area with a solution made of one part bleach and three parts water. This will remove any mold or mildew spores from the area and set you up for a successful new caulk application.

Prepare Your Plumbing for the Fall with Master Plumbing

Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your dripping faucet (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.